Can I Get Disability for Cystic Fibrosis? 

Someone who has accrued sufficient work credits and meets other technical requirements can qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits for any medical condition that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. One way a person can qualify for SSDI is to meet or equal a listing in the Social Security Blue Book. However, someone whose condition is not listed or who doesn’t meet the listing criteria for their primary disability may still be eligible for benefits. 

Cystic fibrosis does have a Blue Book listing, so someone suffering from the condition has two different possible paths to a disability determination. The best way to get reliable information about how you may qualify for SSDI benefits is to talk to an experienced disability benefits advocate. We encourage you to reach out to us at 800-800-3332 to learn more about how Disability Help Group can help you submit the most effective application or appeal possible. 

In the meantime, the information on this page will give you a general overview of how a person with cystic fibrosis may qualify for SSDI.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?  

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that changes the consistency of mucus. While that may not sound too serious, thick and sticky mucus can cause blockages that lead to infection or damage organs. 

Cystic fibrosis used to be fatal in childhood, but improved testing and treatment has changed that dramatically. The average life expectancy for a person with cystic fibrosis born in the past few years is 61 years. The quality of life a cystic fibrosis patient can expect has also changed significantly. Many people with cystic fibrosis are able to work full time jobs, though this typically requires careful management of the condition and may require some workplace accommodations. 

When the condition prevents a person from continuing to work, they may be eligible for SSDI. 

Qualifying for SSDI with Cystic Fibrosis

Blue Book Listing Criteria for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is listed in the respiratory disorders section of the Blue Book. The listing offers seven different ways a person can be deemed disabled, some with a single criteria and others with multiple parts. These are: 

1. To have FEV1 (the amount of air you can force out of your lungs in one second) of less than a certain level. The level varies depending on age, sex, and height. All qualifying measurements fall between 1.45 and 2.85. 
2. Exacerbations or complications requiring at least three hospitalizations during a 12 month period with at least 30 days between hospitalizations.
3. Spontaneous pneumothorax, secondary to CF, requiring chest tube placement.
4. Respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation with BiPAP, or a combination of both treatments, for a continuous period of at least 48 hours, or for a continuous period of at least 72 hours if postoperatively.
5. Pulmonary hemorrhage requiring vascular embolization to control bleeding.
6. Oxygen saturation below a certain level at rest or during or after a six-minute walking test at least twice in 12 months, at least 30 days apart. The level varies depending on the altitude of the testing location, and may be 89 (below 3000 feet above sea level), 87 (between 3000 and 6000 feet above sea level) or 85 (more than 6000 feet above sea level). 
7. Two of the following complications or exacerbations within a 12 month period (may be the same complication or exacerbation repeated or a mix):
   1. Pulmonary exacerbation requiring 10 consecutive days of intravenous antibiotic treatment.
   2. Pulmonary hemorrhage requiring hospitalization of any length.
   3. Weight loss requiring daily supplemental enteral nutrition via gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via central venous catheter for at least 90 consecutive days.
   4. Cystic fibrosis related diabetes requiring daily insulin therapy for at least 90 consecutive days.

If a person suffering from cystic fibrosis doesn’t meet any of the listed criteria, they may still be found to be disabled. The secondary process can be helpful to an SSDI applicant if they have complications that are less common, have a combination of complications that each fail to quite reach the listing criteria but combine to create a disability, or when there are medical conditions to consider in addition to cystic fibrosis.

Qualifying for SSDI Outside Blue Book Listings

If you don’t qualify for SSDI based on the Blue Book listing for cystic fibrosis, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider whether your medical condition prevents you from doing the type of work you were doing before. If you cannot, they will next look at your remaining capacity to work in spite of your disability. This analysis considers the limitations created by your medical condition, your level of education, your past work experience and any skills that may be transferable, and your age. 

If your condition creates physical limitations that prevent you from doing the type of work you did in the past, you are more likely to be approved for SSDI if you are older. You are also more likely to be approved if you have a lower level of education and lack transferable skills. 

Get Help with Your SSDI Application for Cystic Fibrosis

Pursuing Social Security disability benefits can be a challenge. Unfortunately, most SSDI applications are denied. While many of those applicants are later awarded benefits, it can take substantial time and effort to win your case. An SSDI applicant who has to go through the full appeals process may wait two years or more for a final determination. Missing an appeal deadline can mean starting the process over, losing out on back benefits and potentially even losing your claim. 

Working with an experienced disability benefits advocate from the beginning can help ensure that you submit the strongest application possible. We can also review your denial letter and assess what information or documentation will be required to overcome the initial determination. The sooner you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side, the better. Call us today at 800-800-3332 or click here now to learn more about how we can help you fight for the SSDI benefits you deserve.

LEARN MORE HERE:

• Is Osteoporosis a Disability?
• What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
• I Just Received a Function Report Questionnaire from Social Security. What Should I Do?
• Why Your SSD Claim Might Be Denied?
• What is the SSDI Payment Schedule?
• How can I Check on My Disability Claim?
• Why Should I Hire a Disability Lawyer?
• What are the Over 50 Grid Rules?
• VA Benefits Appeal
• VA Disability Remand
• What are Social Security Disability Interview Questions?